"Nobody works harder than Tim," coach Bill Belichick said this week, via ESPN.com. "He spends extra time in the classroom, on the field, works really hard. He does as much as he can do. Is he there yet? No, but I'd say he's gaining on it steadily."

5. Antone Smith, Falcons: Smith ran a 4.33 at Florida State's pro day back in 2010. He has averaged an unheard of 17.2 yards per touch on offense in his five years with the Falcons. More impressively, he is the only player since the 1970 merger with six offensive touchdowns of at least 35 yards in his first 25 career touches.

Primarily a special teamer, Smith's 11 Week 5 snaps are the second-most of his career. Coach Mike Smith finally conceded this week that Smith has earned more touches. Although Smith isn't built for a featured role, the Falcons can't afford to keep his obvious big-play ability shackled to the bench.